At around 6:30 a.m. in Macon County, Alabama, 5-year-old Bisiah Hedges was fatally struck by a school bus as he reached down to pick up his backpack near the bus's wheel. Hedges was boarding the bus with his siblings when he dropped his bag.

The bus was about 15 miles away from George Washington Carver Elementary School, and about 50 yards from Hedges' home, when the tragedy occurred. The unnamed bus driver knew Hedges, and even looked back to see if he was running a little bit late, before pulling away, confirms Sheriff Andre Brunson.

Although the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has taken lead on the investigation in order to provide a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the situation, it has been reported that troopers do not expect to find anything beyond a tragic accident.

The state Department of Education has issued a statement of sensitivity and condolence for those affected by the death of Bisiah Hedges, who would have been six in November.

"Our focus is on the family of the student and all those directly and indirectly involved in this loss."
Tommy Bice, Superintendent, Alabama State Department of Education

For more on communities coming together post-tragedy, watch the video below: